2012 News and Events
DPT Convocation August 10, 2012
The DPT Class of 2012 celebrated their graduation on Friday, August 10 during the Physical Therapy Convocation held in Reynolds Performance Hall. Lindsey Ludford Baskerville was announced as the Outstanding DPT Student for the DPT Class of 2012, an award voted on by members of the 2012 class. Also during the Convocation ceremony, eleven Student Excellence Awards were presented. Tabitha Rivers was presented the Leadership Excellence Award while LaRoya Doss received the Service Excellence Award. Four students were presented the Research Excellence Award including Alicia Austin, Lauren Floyd, Nick Garza and Monique Pridgin. Two students received the Clinical Excellence Award, which is nominated by clinicians, including Lindsey Ludford Baskerville and Elizabeth Davis. In addition, seven students received the Academic Excellence Award for achieving a 3.90 or above GPA for the DPT program. Students, family, guests, and faculty attended a reception immediately following. UCA Commencement ceremonies were later held in the Farris Center.
2012 PT Student Scholarships Awarded
The Department of Physical Therapy has awarded five physical therapy student scholarships for 2012. Each scholarship is a result of gifts made generously by alumni of the physical therapy program. Recipients were recognized during the 2012 Physical Therapy Convocation ceremony held on August 10, 2012 at Reynolds Auditorium at UCA. Dr. Nancy Reese, Chairperson of the Department, presented the Joe Finnell Physical Therapy Scholarship to 3rd year students Konrad Siemek, Robyn Smith and Michael Wood. Robyn Smith was also the recipient of the Thomas Meadows Memorial Scholarship presented by Dr. Margaret McGee, Associate Professor as well as the recipient of the Madeline Ann Grubbs Scholarship presented by Nat Grubbs and his family.
“A brief history of physical therapy at UCA” by Jimmy Bryant
The Log Cabin Democrat has published an article regarding the history of UCA physical therapy written by UCA archivist Jimmy Bryant. The physical therapy program officially began in 1970 and graduated 16 students in the first class in 1972. The article includes quotes from original papers from the program’s founder Mr. Joe Finnell as well as interviews with Dr. Nancy Reese, Dr. Leah Lowe and two current third-year DPT students Kane Moix and Robyn Smith. The article appears in the October 29 issue of the paper as well as on-line at the following link.
Nancy Bond named UCA Employee of the Quarter
Nancy Bond, Administrative Assistant for the Department of Physical Therapy, is named Employee of the Quarter for the third quarter of 2012 for the university. Ms. Bond joined the Department in June of 2008 and has been a valuable asset, great professional and coworker since.
Class of 1972 to Celebrate 40th Anniversary
The first physical therapy class of UCA is celebrating its 40th Anniversary. The Department of Physical Therapy is hosting a special reunion dinner on Friday, November 2 in Conway for the class of 1972. Open House and tours are planned for 5:30-7:00 at the PT Center also on November 2.
2012 PT Alumni Weekend Cookout
The 7th Annual PT Alumni Weekend was held on November 3, 2012. Alumni, faculty, students and friends attended the Department cookout at the PT Center prior to the UCA Football game
2012 PT Alumni Weekend Continuing Education Courses
Also, Dr. Bruce Mendelson presented an anatomy review course in the Gross Anatomy Lab. Dr. Staffan Elglid presented a course on core strengthening including lecture and lab. Both courses were well attended. See course brochure for details: UCA PT Course Brochure Nov 2012
Fant named UCA Employee of the Year
Charlotte Fant, MS, CHES, Program Advisor in the Department of Physical Therapy was selected by the university as the 2012 Employee of the Year. Ms. Fant was also a finalist for Employee of the Year in 2010 and 2011. Since 2004 Ms. Fant has led the Department’s advisement of the BS in Health Science degree which includes over 400 students as well as mentoring the PrePT Club. In addition to advising students from UCA and other colleges and universities regarding the DPT program, Ms. Fant coordinates events throughout the year that bring hundreds of students to the Department. These events have been described as “one of the best and engaging departmental campus tours” by parents of prospective students. Ms. Fant accomplishes tasks with zeal. “We could not accomplish our mission without her excellent work”. Her contributions to the university and its students are significant and invaluable. She treats everyone with dignity and respect. Ms. Fant serves on the Staff Senate working tirelessly to enhance communication within the UCA community as well. She is a devoted fan and dedicated employee who is by far an asset to the university.
Yates named Finalist for Teaching Excellence Award
Charlotte Yates, PhD, PT, PCS, Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, was a 2012 Finalist for the UCA Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Yates’ teaching responsibilities include Neuroscience, Integumentary, Pediatrics and the Pediatrics Elective coursework as well as mentoring Pediatric Residents and PhD students. Dr. Yates has “the great ability to take extremely complex subject matter like that contained in Neuroscience and convey it to students in a way that makes it understandable and applicable to their future careers as physical therapists.” Students praised her teaching excellence based on her inspiration, motivation, engagement, and enthusiasm as well as going above and beyond by providing one-on-one assistance, opportunities for shadowing and serving as role model for future physical therapists. Her focus on her students both as scholars and human beings has garnered respect, admiration, and appreciation from her students and peers.
Clinical Instructor Credential Course – April 27-28
The Department of Physical Therapy hosted the APTA Clinical Instructor Education and Credential Course on Friday and Saturday, April 27-28, 2012. Dr. Misty Booth served as the course instructor.
Students and Faculty Attend CSM – Chicago 2012
Nearly 55 DPT students recently attended the Combined Sections Meetings of the APTA held in Chicago on February 8-11.